Confessions about Beauty and Brokenness
Urban Ministry Coordinator Sarah Johnson celebrates the beautified lot
When Craig told me (Maria) about the New Song Community Church landscaping project, I wanted to put on the brakes.
"Craig, can't we put off BALM's first mercy-justice project until next year? You've already got too much on your plate leading the two programs at Metro Baltimore Seminary! And you have to help raise $12,500 for this? When you don't have BALM's support raised? And you need forty volunteers?"
Oh, ye (me) of little faith! The optimist wins over the realist!
God provided abundantly. On a balmy late September day, 70 volunteers created an oasis of beauty in Sandtown, one of Baltimore's most challenging neighborhoods. Churches and individuals donated money to fund the project, and thanks to a generous matching grant, all the money for this project has been raised!
An elder at New Song, Ryan Diener, is a Baltimore City detective who lives in the neighborhood. He recently shared what a wonderful testimony this has been to residents and church members.
I spent some time reflecting on all God had done. There was the obvious transformation of the physical space, but more than that, I noticed while watering that neighborhood residents walking by would converse with me about it. Many were shocked by how nice it looked and everyone complimented the change.
It is a true testimony to what God
has done through something as
simple as a green space. My
continued prayer for folks I’ve met is that they find a place of worship and come to know the Lord! The lots have created an opportunity for that conversation to begin. This was encouraging to see God’s faithfulness to His church.
BALM's mission to multiply cross-cultural, disciple-making leaders through theological education, gospel-to- life mentoring, and mercy-justice leadership is bearing fruit!
BALM’s Expanding Staff (and we hope this doesn’t refer to our waistlines)
Pastor Stan Long will officially join BALM as Associate Executive Director in January when he transitions from his role at Faith Christian Fellowship.
Urban Ministry Coordinator Sarah Johnson celebrates the beautified lot
Rev. Dr. Louis Wilson, seated at right
New Song Community Church Lot Dedication Service. Rev. Dr. Louis Wilson, seated at right
www.baltimoremovement.org
Maria Garriott has been working for over ten years with Parakaleo, a global ministry to church planting spouses. Parakaleo is restructuring, and while she will still work part time with Parakaleo, the BALM board has hired her to work 20 hours a week on Special Projects and Intercultural Development. She'll expand the volunteer work she's been doing with BALM in communications, mentoring, and working with leaders on
the Intercultural Development Inventory. Maria is in the process of raising her support and will report to the BALM board. Sarah Johnson will continue to volunteer as Urban Ministry Coordinator.
BALM Co-Sponsors First Annual Presbytery Retreat
In October,
Our new discipleship residency- 41st Street Fellowship House and BALM office is finished and ready for disciples who want to grow in their for love God, Baltimore, and each other! Additional information is available from BALM.
Fundraising: Please pray for us to find individuals and churches to partner with us financially, and that God will provide for the work we do with BALM.
Grace,
Rev. Dr. Craig W. Garriott
Maria Garriott
for the BALM team
President, Baltimore Antioch Leadership Movement Pastor Emeritus, Faith Christian Fellowship
